Director’s Statement

Growing up speaking three languages (French, English, Arabic) means I have an accent whenever I speak, and never really felt like I belonged anywhere as people would always comment on it. I would often struggle to find stories I could connect with, so I was interested in themes that transcend identity and deal with human nature, such as the passage of time, the inevitability of death and everything in between. So my past films have varied in theme and genre, and allowed me to technically push myself as a director.

But since Lebanon was recently hit with a crippling financial collapse creating an omnipresent feeling of dread in losing the home I once knew, I became more proud and protective of my Lebanese identity and found myself more drawn to stories of the Lebanese diaspora, as I am now part of it. That’s when I stumbled upon the story of Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah (or “Camil” as he used to spell it). This Lebanese scientist whose achievements while in the US were lost to history peaked my interest, so I investigated. Nothing could prepare me for the sheer amount of historical puzzle pieces that were available. That’s when his incredible story began to take shape.

I was surprised that I, along with most people, didn’t know anything about him. For the first time since becoming a filmmaker, a story finally resonated with me personally, deeply. Developing this project suddenly felt like a responsibility, especially in this climate the world now finds itself in as Al-Sabbah’s contributions were instrumental in the advancement of solar technology.

I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful work our talented team have done in bringing this story to life. "To Fade Away" is the result of two years of research (and counting), with which I hope to invite the world to discover the forgotten pioneer who paved the way for a renewable future.

— Camille Hamadé